Publications & Reports

Archaeological monuments such as moated sites and ringforts are the former homesteads of previous farming communities. Farming has been a vital force in developing our heritage and modern non-intrusive farming practices continue to preserve and shape our historic landscapes. This valuable legacy is something we should try to understand, cherish and protect for ourselves and for future generations.

The plan includes a brief historical background study of St Mary’s Church and Graveyard, a detailed scaled survey of the site and a physical study of the site, its monuments and

buildings as they are currently. These studies have helped to lead to an understanding of the site and its components, their contribution to the integrity of the site, and the issues it faces.

The conservation plan addresses the following:

• Understanding the place
• The cultural significance of the place
• Identifying issues which may affect that significance
• Writing policies to address the issues
• Building in mechanisms for implementation and review

Ireland’s landscape is enriched by its heritage of farm-houses and outbuildings, its field patterns and the nature of the boundaries that divide them. The landscape of Ireland is predominantly an agricultural one, and farmers have been its guardians. In times past, the occupants of
traditional farmhouses and their associated farmsteads were often also their builders. They made clever use of materials available locally and they built in accordance with a language of construction that was shared by their community.

The Action Plan 2006-2008 is set out in two main parts:
1: Eleven ‘Key Actions’ for late 2005/early 2006, (i.e. Immediate Actions); and
2: Twelve ‘Further Actions’ (i.e. Short Term and Medium Term) 2006-2008 are set out under the
following themes:
• Networking and Lobbying (3 no. actions);
• Conservation and Management (4 no. actions);
• Joint Promotion and IT (3 no. actions); and
• Education and Training (2 no. actions).

The policies contained in this Conservation Plan provide a detailed methodology for approaching the conservation of the doorway of the cathedral while recognising the importance of its setting within the cathedral and within the attendant grounds. The Plan also provides policies for conserving the other elements of the complex, recognising that the significance of the site as a whole is as important as the significance of its parts.

The Church of St Lachtain in Freshford, County Kilkenny is a place of great antiquity. This Conservation Plan clearly and unequivocally states the significance of this monument and gives the church a prominence in the ecclesiastical history of Ireland which had hitherto been largely unrecognised.

Ireland has a rich legacy of stained glass. Fine examples of the art can be found in public and private buildings across the country, but mainly in our churches.The work of some of the finest European, English and Irish artists graces great cathedrals, historic buildings and humble churches. This booklet is intended as a guide for the custodians of these treasures, to
assist them in their care and conservation.

It is anticipated that the Conservation Plan will be of use for: 

• Improving local understanding of the walls and their significance
• Promotion of the recognition and protection of the walls
• Encouragement of management schemes for effective maintenance
• Guidance for repairs and conservation
• Protection of the setting from adjacent developments
• Improving access to the walls.

In addition, the Conservation Plan will consolidate the extensive documentation relating to the City Walls found in local records, historical mapping and national documents. The data can then be disseminated in a manageable form, from which the policies for protection and preservation can be developed.

Ancient human remains merit special consideration as archaeological objects for a number of reasons. Not least of all is their emotive power, offering startling and immediate contact with the dead and a powerful reminder of the inescapable fate of the living. To archaeological specialists they constitute a valuable historical and scientific resource, inscribed with evidence of the working life, living conditions, diet, traumas and diseases of past generations. To developers and planners ancient human remains bring added complexity to projects impacting upon the archaeological heritage.